HOMESCHOOLING 101

OUTLINE

What is homeschooling; current legal requirements
Getting started
Learning approaches
Common questions
•	How do I know what my child needs to know?
•	How do I teach something that I don’t know?
•	How do I know my child is learning?
•	Where can I find learning materials?
•	What about socialization?
Potholes in the homeschooling path
•	Burnout and failed expectations
•	FUD (fear, uncertainty and doubt)
Final thoughts
APPENDIX
Step-by-step guide to compliance with Oregon homeschooling laws	5
Notice information	7
Good resources for new homeschoolers	8
Portland-area homeschool groups	10
Special needs resources	11
Volunteer opportunities	12

Compiled by
Amy Grant
Oregon Home Education Network
ohen@teleport.com

What is homeschooling?
Homeschooling laws vary widely by state.  In Oregon, children between the ages of 7 and 18 are not required to attend full-time public or private school if they are:
•	Being taught for a period equivalent to that required of children attending public schools by a private teacher the courses of study usually taught in grades 1 through 12 in the public school, [the “private teacher” option] or
•	Being educated in the child’s home by a parent or legal guardian [the “parent-taught” option].
(Oregon Revised Statutes section 339.030 Exemptions from compulsory school attendance, subsection (1).  Bracketed insertions are the author’s.)
Parents of children under either of these exemptions are required to give a notice of intent to homeschool.  Children under either of these exemptions are required to be tested or assessed at the end of grades 3, 5, 8 and 10 (see more detail in the “Step-by-step guide to compliance with Oregon homeschooling laws” below).  
However, for children under the “parent-taught” option, there is no requirement for “equivalent period of time” and no requirement for “usual courses of study”.
There are as many ways to homeschool as there are homeschoolers.  Many families try a variety of approaches and resources before they find an approach that works best for each child.

Getting started
•	What are your family’s goals for your child’s education?
•	What are your expectations of homeschooling?  (Beware, these will probably change a lot over time.)
•	Take stock
•	How does your child best take in information?  How do you take in information?
•	How does your child process information?  How do you process information?
•	What interests and excites your child?  What interests and excites you?

Learning approaches
•	Self-directed learning including reading, learning by discovery (aka play) and learning through contemplation (aka staring into space)
•	Experiential learning through activities (kitchen sink science, balcony physics, backyard biology, experimenting at OMSI, sawing wood at Philip Foster Farm, volunteering)
•	One-on-one instruction (by parents, siblings, grandparents, tutors, community members)
•	Group learning (learning clubs, learning co-ops, 4-H, Scouts)
•	Teacher-led learning (Linkup, Saturday Academy, Parks & Rec classes, private classes)

Common questions

•	How do I know what my child needs to know?
This is your child, your choice, and your freedom to guide your child’s education.  
If you want outside reference points, you can find a wide variety of “scope and sequence” guidelines in Oregon state benchmarks, “What Your ___th Grader Needs to Know”, standardized test prep books, scope & sequence guides from curriculum publishers, and the World Book Typical Course of Study (http://www2.worldbook.com/parents/course_study_index.asp).
•	How do I teach something that I don’t know?
Your behavior provides a valuable learning model: “Let’s find out.”  “Let’s look that up.”  “Let’s ask for help on that.”  “Let’s find someone who can show us.”
The key is helping your child learn, which may mean finding resources for your child to learn independently, finding resources to help teach your child, or learning with your child.
•	How do I know my child is learning?
Listen and observe.  What questions is your child asking?  What insights is your child showing?  What skills is your child mastering?  (Keep a journal if you wish – it’s fun to look back on.)
•	Where can I find learning materials?
The public library is a homeschooling parent’s best friend.  See if you can volunteer there – you’ll discover new resources every week.  
Other sources:  Your garage, closets and backyard; museums; newspapers and magazines; SCRAP (School and Community Reuse Action Project (http://www.scrapaction.org/store.html); garage sales; used book and thrift shops; homeschool swap meets; and an unlimited number of catalogs and curriculum vendors.  (See Internet resources below.)
•	What about socialization?
so·cial·ize  (definition from Webster’s New World Dictionary, 3rd College Edition)
1.	To make social; adjust to or make fit for cooperative group living.  [That’s what families do together all the time!]
2.	To adapt or make conform to the common needs of a social group.  [There are many homeschool support & social groups in the greater Portland area.  See list below.]
3.	To subject to governmental ownership and control; nationalize.  [No thanks.]
4.	To cause to become a socialist.  [Your child, your choice.]

Potholes in the homeschooling path
•	Burnout happens when there is a mismatch between the homeschooling approach and the needs of the child or the family.  Failed expectations happen when there is a mismatch between the parent’s expectations and life (and child) realities.  
Here are a few pearls of wisdom from homeschoolers who have learned from burnout and failed expectations:
Homeschooling is a process of Try, Evaluate, Adjust, Try Again (repeat).
Learning must be a voluntary process in order to be effective.
When there is a good fit between the homeschooling approach and the needs of the child and the family, learning can be joyous.
Take a break!  Children receiving one-on-one tutoring by a school district are considered full-time if they receive 5 hours of instruction per week.  The NEA estimates that elementary school children spend about 1/5 of their time in school “on task” (less than 7 hrs/week).
•	FUD (fear, uncertainty and doubt)
Practically every homeschooling parent has FUD episodes.  Here are a few tips for dealing with this common occurrence:
Read, read and read some more (for yourself about homeschooling, and to your children for the joy of it)
Network with other homeschoolers, and find with those whose opinions your value.  Ask what worked for them (and why).
Keep a journal to remind yourself of the daily discoveries and joys that your children share with you.
Remind yourself that your child is a unique individual with his or her own gifts and challenges, not a standardized commodity.  What works for another homeschooling family may not work for yours.  (And what works for one of your children may not work for another.)
Learning is a lifelong process.  Your child is in your custody for only a short part of that life.  Take the time to cherish and enjoy the child.  Long division can wait until the child is ready.
Final Thoughts
Children are wired to learn, and will learn joyously if they are given the opportunity and an environment where the child feels secure.
Nobody knows your child better than you.
Trust your child, trust yourself and HAVE FUN!

Step-by-Step Guide to Compliance with Oregon Homeschooling Laws

This document is a general summary of laws regarding homeschooling, but does not constitute legal advice.  You should read the language of the laws and rules or contact an attorney familiar with homeschooling if you have any questions.  You can get more information about the laws (Oregon Revised Statutes) and rules (Oregon Administrative Rules) at the OHEN website: http://www.ohen.org/  or at the Oregon Department of Education website: www.ode.state.or.us

1.	Will your child be at least 7 years old as of September 1st of this year?
•	If NO, then no further action or notification is required.  OAR 581-021-0026 (11)  Have fun homeschooling!
•	If YES, then you need to send a one-time written notice of your intent to homeschool your child. OAR 581-021-0026 (4)   The notice is sent to the Education Service District (ESD) for your county.  The notice must be given within 10 days after you withdraw the child from school, or within 10 days after the first day of school if you begin homeschooling during the summer or at the start of a school year.  If you move to a new county, you must notify your new ESD within 10 days.  See page 8 for information on what the notice must include and where to send it. OAR 581-021-0026 (1)(f)    Go to #2.
2.	Has your child been diagnosed with a disability by a medical or other professional?  
Disabilities include: autism spectrum disorder, communication disorder, deafblindness, emotional disturbance, hearing impairment, mental retardation, orthopedic impairment, other health impairment, specific learning disability, traumatic brain injury, and vision impairment.  These disabilities are described in OAR 581-015-0051.
•	If YES, then your child’s educational progress may be assessed according to the child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Privately Developed Plan (PDP). OAR 581-021-0029
•	If NO, then go to #3.
3.	Is your child in grades 3, 5, 8 or 10?
•	If NO, then no further action is required.  Have fun homeschooling!
However, if your child wishes to participate in interscholastic programs offered by your school district, your child may be required to take a standardized test yearly.  See OAR 581-021-0033 for more information.
•	If YES, then your child’s educational progress must be assessed this year.  Go to #4.
NOTE:  As a parent, you have the choice of placing your 7 year old in 1st grade or higher. OAR 581-021-0026 (6)  Once you choose a grade level placement, you should use it consistently.  For example, you should not hold back or advance your child to avoid the four assessment grades (3, 5, 8 and 10).  
If your child re-enters public school before 10th grade, they will probably be placed with age-peers, regardless of the grade level you choose.  Once your child has done their 10th grade assessment, you and your child have flexibility in determining when your child is ready to graduate and/or begin college.  Allowing your child an extra year at the beginning (by designating their 7-year-old year as 1st grade) gives them a little extra time before their 3rd grade assessment, but does not necessarily determine their ultimate graduation year.

4.	Was your child in public or private school on or after February 15th during the last school year?
•	If YES, then no assessment is required this year. OAR 581-021-0026 (5)(a)(A)  Have fun homeschooling!  
Assessments must be done by August 15th of the year that your child completes grades 3, 5, 8 and 10.  However, no assessment is required during the first 18 months after a child leaves school.  For example, if your child was in school for 2nd grade until at least Feb. 15th, then no assessment is required for 3rd grade, because the assessment deadline would be within 18 months after the child leaves school. 
•	If NO, then go to #5.
5.	Your child must take an approved standardized test by August 15th of the year that the child completes grades 3, 5, 8 and 10.  You choose and pay for the test and the tester.  Approved tests include the two most recent versions of the California Achievement Test, Comprehensive Tests of Basic Skills, Iowa Tests of Basic Skills/Tests of Achievement and Proficiency, Metropolitan Achievement Battery, and Stanford Achievement Test Battery. OAR 581-021-0026 (1)(a).  You may choose which form of test to use (survey or long, all subjects or only math & language arts).
The tester provides the results to you.  The ESD may notify you that you must turn in the results to the ESD.  Only the composite score (combined national percentile) needs to be submitted.  OAR 581-021-0026 (7)(a)
You may use the qualified tester of your choice; you are responsible for the cost of the testing.  Many testers offer either group testing or private testing.  Some will come to your home.  It’s a good idea to get a recommendation from homeschoolers in your area before picking a tester, as you don’t want a tester who is hostile to homeschoolers.  The requirements for a tester to be “qualified” are in OAR 581-021-0026 (1)(i).  There is no requirement that you use a tester on the ESD’s list of qualified testers.
Was your child’s composite score in the fifteenth percentile or above?
•	If YES, then no further assessment is required until the next “assessment grade” (5, 8 or 10).  Have fun homeschooling!
•	If NO, then go to #6.
6.	If your child’s composite score was below the fifteenth percentile, then the child must be assessed again the following year.  
If this second composite score is the same or higher than the first score, then your child returns to the normal assessment schedule (grades 5, 8 and 10). OAR  581-021-0026 (7)(e)
If the second composite score is lower than the first score, then the child must be assessed again the following year, and the ESD superintendent may allow the parent to continue homeschooling as before, or may require the child’s education to be supervised by a person holding a teaching license (selected by and paid for by the parent).  If the composite score in the next year declines again, then the superintendent may allow the parent to continue homeschooling as before, or may require continued supervision and testing, or may remand the child to school for up to 12 months. OAR  581-021-0026 (7)(b)-(d)

Notice Information

When you begin homeschooling, you are required to send a written notice of your intent to homeschool to the Education Service District (ESD) in your county.  The notice must include:
•	the parent’s name
•	the child’s name, address and birthdate, and
•	and the name of the school that the child last attended or the public school district where the child resides.
The ESD may request additional information such as the parent’s phone number or e-mail address and the child’s grade level, but providing this information is optional (you don’t need to provide this if you don’t want to).  There is no requirement to specify the child’s grade level.

An example of a notice is the following:
--------------

To Whom It May Concern:

This is my notice of intent to homeschool my child pursuant to OAR 581-021-0026 (4).  

Parent’s name:  ______________________
Child’s name:  _______________________
Child’s birthdate:  ____________________
Address:  ___________________________
School district where child resides:  ________________________

Sincerely,

--------------

Address to send the notice of intent to homeschool:

ESD for Clackamas County:
Clackamas ESD
P. O. Box 216
Marylhurst, OR  97036-0216
503-635-0541	ESD for Marion County:
Willamette ESD 
2611 Pringle Rd. S. 
Salem, OR  97302 
(503) 385-4565	
ESD for Multnomah County:
Multnomah ESD
P. O. Box 301039
Portland, OR  97230
503-255-1841	ESD for Washington County:
Northwest Regional ESD
5825 NE Ray Circle
Hillsboro, OR  97124-6436
503-690-5428	

For the addresses of ESDs in other counties, see the OHEN website at http://www.ohen.org/  

GOOD RESOURCES FOR NEW HOMESCHOOLERS

Homeschooling in Oregon: The 1998 Handbook by Ann Lahrson-Fisher
A “must-read” for new homeschoolers.  This book will help you through the many options that are available to homeschoolers.  The only thing it lacks is information about the current homeschool laws (see above).

Fundamentals of Homeschooling: Notes on Successful Family Living by Ann Lahrson-Fisher (2003)
This book is like the Joy of Cooking for homeschoolers.  It provides both reassurance (and an understanding of why homeschooling works so well) as well as new ideas when your well is running dry.  Available at a prepublication price ($16.95) through 9/15/02 at www.nettlepatch.net

A Parent’s Guide to Homeschooling by Tamra Orr (2002)
An encouraging reference guidebook offering plenty of experienced support and helpful resources. Includes essays from homeschooling parents "in the trenches," providing real-life descriptions of how homeschooling works for a wide variety of families. 

The Homeschooling Handbook: From Preschool to High School, a Parent's Guide, by Mary Griffith. This non-ideological book examines homeschooling's pros and cons, discusses how to handle regulations, and shows how to design and implement a productive learning atmosphere at home for students of all ages. The author incorporates useful teaching ideas from schools such as Montessori and Waldorf.  

Good Stuff: Learning Tools For All Ages, by Rebecca Rupp
This popular resource guide covers every subject area schools do, and many more they don't.  It offers something more than "testbooks" for learning. 

I Learn Better By Teaching Myself and Still Teaching Ourselves, by Agnes Leistico. This new edition combines two books under one cover. A homeschooling mother of three describes how she learned to trust her children and herself to learn in new ways. Answers the question, "How much structure should there be in a homeschool?" 
Trust the Children by Anna Kealoha
This is an excellent book for fun learning activities for younger homeschoolers (about preschool to age 9). 

And What About College? by Cafi Cohen
This book has a thorough discussion of the college application process and how homeschoolers can best prepare.  Provides samples of “homegrown” transcripts, resumes and application cover letters. You can also read the first chapter, and get updated information from Cafi Cohen’s website at: http://www.homeschoolteenscollege.net/

Homeschoolers’ College Admissions Handbook by Cafi Cohen
This book picks up where Cafi Cohen’s earlier book (And What About College) leaves off.  It includes the nitty-gritty of application essays, recommendation letters, admissions testing, choosing the college that is the best fit for the student, finding financial aid and more.  There are anecdotes and suggestions from homeschoolers who have successfully navigated the college admissions process.

Magazines:
Home Education Magazine
Homeschooling Today: Practical Help for Christian Families
Practical Homeschooling (Christian perspective)
The Teaching Home: A Christian Magazine for Home Educators

E-mail discussion groups for Oregon homeschoolers
ORSIG, the e-mail discussion list for Oregon homeschoolers.  Send a blank e-mail to:   
orsig-subscribe@yahoogroups.com 
This group tends to have wide-ranging discussions, including political and other topics barely related to homeschooling.
If you prefer a more narrowly focused homeschooling discussion list, try OregonHome.  Send a blank e-mail to: OregonHome-subscribe@yahoogroups.com  
If you prefer an Oregon homeschooling e-mail discussion list with a Christian focus, try ORChristianHS.  Send a blank e-mail to: ORChristianHS-subscribe@yahoogroups.com 

Good Internet resource sites
Oregon Home Education Network:   http://www.ohen.org/  
National Home Education Network:   www.nhen.org
Includes a number of helpful articles for new homeschoolers, including: Learning About Learning - 
The First Step In Homeschooling by Christine Webb at www.nhen.org/nhen/pov/newhser/learning_about_learning.html
Home Education Magazine: www.home-ed-magazine.com
Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA):   www.hslda.org   (Christian focus)
Learn in Freedom:   http://learninfreedom.org
Jon’s Homeschool Resource Page:   www.midnightbeach.com/hs
A to Z Home’s Cool:   www.gomilpitas.com

Statewide Homeschooling Networks

Oregon Home Education Network (OHEN)
503-321-5166 (voicemail)
Website:  http://home.teleport.com/~ohen    E-mail: ohen@teleport.com
This inclusive, nonprofit volunteer-run organization is dedicated to the support of all of Oregon’s homeschooling families and the right of homeschoolers to educate their children with as little government oversight as possible. OHEN maintains a help-line, offers seminars , conferences and monitors legislation affecting homeschoolers. 

Oregon Christian Home Education Association Network (OCEAN)
503-288-1285
Website:  www.oceanetwork.org      E-mail: oceanet@oceanetwork.org 
This nonprofit Christian family support network offers information, contacts and support.  Quarterly newsletter, beginning homeschooler packets, annual conference and curriculum fair.

LDS-Oregon Home Educators Association (LDS-OHEA)
503-629-2590
Website : www.LDS-OHEA.org     E-mail: ann@lds-ohea.org
This nonprofit LDS family support network offers information, contacts and support.  E-mail newsletter, directory of members for networking with others locally, and annual conference.

Portland-Area Homeschool Groups (Partial List)

It is OHEN’s policy not to publish the phone numbers of individuals.  E-mail or call OHEN at ohen@teleport.com or 503-321-5166 (voicemail) for the phone number for any of the following groups or individuals if you don’t have access to e-mail or no e-mail address is given.

General Interest Groups (open to all)	
East County Homeschool Organization (ECHO)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/east_county_homeschool_organization
	
Greater Portland Homeschoolers
~200 families; e-mail newsletter of activities and events in the greater Portland area; $5/year
503-241-5350 voice mail
www.gphomeschool.org	
Southside Homeschool Connection
(Families from Lake Oswego, Milwaukie, Mollala, Oregon City, Aurora, etc.) 
Contact Esther at saul4esther@aol.com  or
southsidehomeschoolconnection@egroups.com	
Terrific Teens Fun Network (TTFN)  Social get-togethers for ages 14+
TWEENS Social get-togethers for ages 11-14
Contact Annette at mlsa@teleport.com	
Special Interest Groups	
F.A.I.T.H. Homeschoolers: Mollala area; 175 families, bi-monthly newsletter, sports, music & drama programs and mom's breakfasts. Christian focus, all welcome.
Contact: Lynette Isaak at fantheflame2@juno.com 	Holy Rosary Homeschool Group
Catholic focus
Dorothy at gill2.4@netzero.net 	
Jewish Educators Support Group
Contact Melisa at melcro@coho.net 	Latter-day Saints Oregon Home Ed. Assoc. 
Contact Ann Agent at ann@lds-ohea.org
www.LDS-OHEA.org (statewide network)	
New Hope Homeschool Group
Oregon City; Christian focus
Contact Kristi at KristiV@quixnet.net or
Melody at MelodyGuzm@aol.com  	Northeast Portland Home Schools
130 families; exclusively Christian 
P. O. Box 13693, Portland  97213
503-784-4398	
North Portland Christian Home Educators
~30 families; Christian focus, all welcome 	South/Southeast Christian Home Educators
130 families; exclusively Christian
Oregon City area
www.sseche.com	
Westside COACH (Christian focus)
503-699-9247 or wscoach@juno.com
Bi-monthly newsletter, telephone support, used curriculum sale (early June)		

For homeschool support groups in other areas, contact your OHEN County Contact, who you can find at the OHEN website (http://www.ohen.org/) or by calling the OHEN Helpline at 503-321-5166

Special Needs Resources

ASLearningAtHom@egroups.com
A worldwide loop for home school families with Asperger Syndrome in the family, though many families have members with other disabilities.

At Our Own Pace
102 Willow Dr., Waukegan, IL  60087
Free newsletter for homeschooling families with special needs

Aut2Bhome
http://home.earthlink.net/~tammyglaser798/authome.html
http://www.weirdkids.com/autism.aut2bhome.htm

Deaf Homeschool Network
Marilyn Agerbroad
116 Jerome, Silverton, OR  97381
503-873-8451

Homeschooling Children with Special Needs
www.geocities.com/AThens/8259/special.html

Homeschooling Kids with Disabilities
E-mail group and website: http://members.tripod.com/~Maaja/

Homeschooling Special Needs 
E-mail group and website: http://home.att.net/~MikeJaqua/special/frames/index.html 

Homeschooling Special Needs Children
http://kaleidoscapes.com/special/

NATional cHallenged Homeschoolers Associated Network (NATHHAN)
5383 Alpine Rd. SE, Olalla WA  98359; 253-857-4257 or nathanews@aol.com
Christian-oriented quarterly newsletter for special needs homeschooling.

Resources for Unschooling: Special Needs Children
www.inspirit.com.au/unschooling/resources/hsspecialneeds.html

Volunteer Opportunities

Americorps Youth Volunteer Program (Portland area) – for ages 12 & up 503-224-7800
Audubon Society:  Mitch Luckett at 503-292-6855
Forest Park No Ivy League: Sandy Diedrich at 503-223-2708
Activities:  Pulling ivy in Forest Park, together with an environmental education session and orientation.  
Friends of Trees/Seed the Future: 503-282-8846 Friends of Trees (ask for Morgan, ext. 12)
Natural-area planting of seedlings (good for all ages)
For a schedule of upcoming plantings, call 503-284-TREE (503-284-8733) for a recorded message or go to http://friendsoftrees.org/
Honorary Capitol Page: Contact the state representative or senator in your district, and ask to be sponsored.  Minimum age: 12.
Hoyt Arboretum: Sue Thomas at 503-228-8733
Activities:  Ivy pulling and stream restoration
Oregon Humane Society: Perry Cabot at 503-285-7722 ext. 244
Volunteer activities for children 12+ (at the shelter): job shadowing, internships, help with feeding, watering, walking, cleaning and grooming the animals.
Oregon Zoo: 503-220-2790
Philip Foster Farm (Volunteer Docents), Eagle Creek: 503-637-6324
Open May – September
Contact Elaine Butler (darmoc@msn.com)

Check with your library for volunteer opportunities for older children (or for younger children with a parent’s help).